Are you looking for a small dog that won’t cover your carpet with fur on a daily basis? If you favorite activity isn’t running the vacuum cleaner, you’ll want to choose your dog breed carefully as many small dog breeds shed quite profusely. A non shedding dog breed may be particularly important to you if you suffer from allergies. Most non shedding dog breeds are less likely to be allergenic since they tend to release less dander from their skin surfaces.

Unfortunately, most dogs shed to some extent, even the so-called non-shedding breeds, but this group of small dogs are likely to shed much less than average:

ShihTzu

Although this small breed may occasionally deposit a bit of long hair on your carpet, for the most part, it’s a breed that sheds minimally which makes it a good choice for you if you’re allergic to dog hair and housework. Watch out if you have children though, this breed can be a bit feisty.

Dachshund

This breed sheds only minimally and requires little grooming. The female dachshund tends to shed a bit more than the male, particularly unsprayed females. The smooth haired and the wire haired dachshund tend to require more grooming than the long haired variety.

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is not only a friendly and agreeable companion dog, he also tends to shed very little, requiring only a weekly brushing. They are also considered “hypoallergenic” meaning they don’t tend to exacerbate allergy symptoms. This may be your ideal choice if you have allergies and are looking for a low maintenance, non shedding dog breed.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is considered to have a non shedding coat which makes this dog breed ideal if you have allergic symptoms. Unfortunately, the Bichon Frise is considered high maintenance in the grooming department, requiring a haircut and bath on a monthly basis as well as frequent brushing at home to prevent mats and tangles. This is not the breed for you if you have minimal time to devote to dog grooming.

West Highland Terrier

This dog breed sheds very little although they do require regular brushing and grooming about every six weeks. They have a double coat consisting of a hard, wiry outer coat with a softer inner coat. You may find it easier to have a professional trim and groom your Westie, although with practice you should be able to do it yourself at home.

Although there is no truly shed proof dog breed in existence, these five, small non shedding dog breeds should provide you with some relief from the constant appearance of fur on your carpeting and in your house. Plus, if you have dog related allergies, these dogs breeds may allow you to experience canine companionship without the associated allergy symptoms.

i have a rough coat brussels griffon that sheds . more than a little. what may i may be doing wrong thanks ed pedersen

toria

On March 2, 2009 at 1:30 pm

this is not very helpful sorry

Jason

On March 3, 2009 at 8:04 am

The article title is just plain wrong. “Non-shedding” means “it doesn’t shed.”
Four of the five breeds here shed.

cindy

On April 3, 2009 at 4:55 pm

i just bought a puppy. The breeder stated it was a NO shed dog. I did blindly believe her because I must have wanted to. The picture of the puppy was SO cute. Well she is mine now and she sheds like crazy!!! She is (according to the breeder) 1/2 chi and 1/2 pek. I know question that too because she looks like a long yorkie. I love her so I guess it doesn’t matter. Anyway at our Vet visit the vet said there is only one dog that does not shed and that was some Japanese kind. I had 2 poodles and I did not think they shed. But that is waht the vet stated to me.

lindsey

On April 21, 2009 at 4:25 pm

i have a bichon and i know she does not bother me because i have allergies to shedding dogs, some dogs still shed but are limited if i were picking from this list i would go with bichons. they shed but barely ever

Kim

On April 26, 2009 at 10:46 am

ummmm what about a miniture Schnauzer, Yorkies, poodles who the heck made this list??????

Bob

On May 9, 2009 at 9:06 am

The best non shedding dog is the Havasu.Great with childeren and a teriffic personality.

As a veterinary nurse I can confirm that the ONLY pedigree dog that NEVER sheds is a POODLE. This is why breeders are now crossing many breeds with them hence the labradoodle and the poohuahua! Problem solved!

missy hughes

On February 4, 2010 at 4:08 am

I have a shih-zu and I get his haircut every 3 months. I only once in a while find long hair from his tail, other than that, a great non-shedding dog. The shi-zu is the best dog out there. I will always be a shih-zu owner, not a day goes by that he doesnt make me laugh. They never have a bad day, always happy.